What is an alternate assessment?
Each year, students in grades 3 through 12 take statewide assessments in the spring. Which statewide assessment the student will take and any accommodations a student will need during statewide testing are outlined in the IEP. There are typically two options for students: (1) the traditional statewide assessment and (2) the alternate state assessment. Determining which assessment a student should take is a very important decision that carries a great deal of weight. Students taking the alternate state assessment are on the certificate (non-diploma) track and are set to earn a Certificate of Completion from high school, rather than a high school diploma.
If a school recommends that the student takes the alternate assessment, parents should always be a part of that conversation.The IEP must include a statement of why the child cannot participate in the regular assessment and why the alternate assessment is appropriate for the child.
For more details, see our article Key Parts of an IEP.